The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy.

The Notification for the examination is usually released in the months of October and June, and the examinations are conducted in February and November respectively. Only unmarried graduates are eligible to sit for the exam.

Successful candidates are admitted into the respective Academies after an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Age Limit:
Indian Military Academy 19-24 years
Air Force Academy 19-24 years
Naval Academy 19-24 years
Officers’ Training Academy 19-25 years
Scheme of Examination
Indian Military Academy / Air Force Academy / Naval Academy
All the papers are of objective type.

Subject Marks
English 100
General Knowledge 100
Elementary Mathematics 100

Officers' Training Academy
All the papers are of objective
Subject Marks
English 100
General Knowledge 100